Suspect in Nasheed’s lawyer stabbing spotted in Colombo

A young man wanted by Interpol on a charge of stabbing a lawyer who represents former President Mohamed Nasheed has been spotted in Colombo, Sri Lanka, according to a credible source.

Shafraz Ibrahim, 23 years, of Karankaage, Raa Atoll Inguraidhoo, was spotted at Sosun Villa, a property owned by the Maldivian government, playing football with members of the Maldivian student community in Colombo, the source said.

The Maldives Educational And Cultural Center (MECC) is located at Sosun Villa.

According to a red notice issued on Interpol’s website on October 15, Shafraz is “wanted by the judicial authorities of Maldives for prosecution,” for “gang assault using sharp weapons.”

A red notice has also been issued for 20-year-old Raaid Ahmed over the September 4 attack.

Shafraz and Raaid are suspected of stabbing lawyer Mahfooz Saeed in the head in broad daylight.

The 26-year-old narrowly survived the life-threatening attack. He underwent surgery at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital to remove the knife lodged three and a half inches deep above his left ear.

The source said: “Shafraz was very casual and friendly, he was chatting with the other Maldivians and some staff of MECC.” The source has filed a report with Interpol, which he subsequently shared with The Maldives Independent.

Shafraz, who belongs to a local gang called TC in Male was reportedly seen entering an apartment complex, the Coral Castle Condominium, in Colombo 6. It is unclear where the 23 year old fugitive resides.

Mahfooz left the Maldives in late September for further treatment.

Correction: This article previously incorrectly stated Raaid Ahmed’s age as 23 years. He is in fact 20 years old.